What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting 'Sawm' to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) according to Islamic belief.

While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. Muslims are also instructed to refrain from sinful behavior that may negate the reward of fasting, such as false speech (insulting, backbiting, cursing, lying, etc.) and fighting. Food and drinks (also known as 'iftar') are served after sunset, and taraweh prayers are performed after isha.